Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter's End (1999)

[bunniefuu]

I took the guide
rope down, papa.

It's cold, but there's
not a sign of snow.

That's good, caleb.

I hope the winter's over.

I hope so, too.

You want coffee?

Who made it?

I did.

Maybe I'll have
some milk instead.

Where's sarah?

She's upstairs helping
your sister pack for town.

I wish you'd reconsider
and stay awhile longer.

It can't be wise
to be around so much sickness.

I've been helping for months
and I haven't gotten anything.

Some people just don't.

And dr. Sam depends on me.

[Sighs]

Justin's letters.

I've kept them all ever
since he's been at w*r.

When I read them

It's like he's
standing next to me.

Letters have that power.

I know you
and papa worry

But I'll be fine.

This is what
I want to do.

All right.

You're all grown up.

When did that happen?

I made some fresh rolls for sam.

You can take them with you.

He'd be disappointed
if I ever came back

Without something
from your kitchen.

Oh, well, he's putting you up,
training you.

It's the least I can do.

Keep a few for us.

We like
your rolls, too.

There's enough.
There's plenty.
Don't worry.

Something wrong?

I thought I saw someone.

Well, it's probably
one of cassie's
imaginary playmates.

[Chuckles]

You want me to stop
by mrs. Parkley's?

Yeah, I need some wool;
a couple of other things.

Okay.

List is on the table.

Three... Four... Five...

[Cassie laughing]

Six... Seven...

Eight... Eight
and a half...

We're leaving soon.

Don't go far.

Nine... Don't worry.
This won't take long.

Ten! Ready or not,
here I come!

[Barking]

I hear nickel.

I'm going
to find you, cass.

Cassie?

[Barking]

Nickel, hush.

Nickel, hush!

Cassie?

Is that your name?

Cassie?

Caleb:
I'm going to find you.
You can't hide for long.

Can you tell me

What is your father's name,
cassie?

Papa.

Cassie...

What is his name?

Your papa's?

Jacob.

Caleb:
found you, pal.

[Nickel barking]

Jacob.

There's a man
behind the barn

And he's wearing
a green blanket.

You and your stories.

Did he jump at you
and say "boo"?

[Laughs]

Now, if you
start to feel ill

You'll telephone us.

I promise.

All right.

I'll miss you, anna.

You won't miss me
for long this time.

I'll be home for easter.

Will you write me a letter?

I will, and you can
draw me pictures.

You'll be back
before dark?

As soon as I pick up
that tractor hitch
jess is fixing

And stop by may parkley's,
I'll be on my way.

Hup!

Oh, caleb, I have
something for you.

Whoa.

An empty book?

Fill it while I'm away.

But I'm not a writer
like you.

Where do I start?

On the first page.

You'll figure it out.

Caleb, chores!

Come on in.

They're awful heavy.
Watch yourself.

Yeah.

Whoa.

Anna, I certainly am glad
to have you back.

Hello, jacob.

Sam... You look tired.

Only because I am.

Every time she goes home
for a few days

I realize how lucky I am
to have her.

She does the work
of five.

How is mrs. Mackenzie doing?

The fever broke
in the night

And I think
she'll pull through this.

She asked for you;
that's a good sign.

You're sure it's safe for anna
to be around so much sickness?

Papa.

We take
every precaution.

A father worries.

Your father worries over you

The way I worry about justin
in europe.

Jacob:
you heard from
him lately?

There's a letter in my office.

Thank you.

He's doing as well
as he can, I suppose.

Mostly he writes
of coming home to anna.

He does love her.

I'm sure of that.

The w*r has to end soon.

I pray for it.

The w*r, this influenza...

We're in god's hands
on every front, it seems.

Oh, that's very nice.

Colorful and original.

The wind has picked up.

Wind in kansas--
imagine that.

What's that?

It's colorful and original,
mama said.

Is it papa?

It's the man I saw.

With her imagination,
I think anna

Should have givenher
the book to write in.

Itwasa man.

You are so stubborn.

Thank you.

[Distant banging]

Is that the
door? Caleb?

I thought I shut it.

I'll go take
care of it.

Well, hurry up.
Supper's almost ready.

Wow, where did you come from?

[Man coughing]

Who are you?

Huh?

I'll be right back.

Did he say
where he was headed?

He didn't say
anything at all.

I'm sarah witting.

This is our farm.

Are you sick?

Just tired.

There's a lot
of influenza about.

I can't risk the health
of my children.

I'm not... Sick.

I've been traveling and...

And I'm chilled to the bone.

Well, with only that blanket
in this weather

I'm not surprised.

Help me.

We'll take you
to the house.

No, I can't ask...

You don't have to ask.

All right.

Oh.

Okay.

Why don't you sit
here where it's warm?

Caleb, there's some hot tea
on the table.

Will you pour him a cup?

Itoldyou
there was a man.

That you did, cass.

Sorry.

This'll help.

There you are.

Oh... I...

Oh...

You don't have a fever.

No.

[Sighs]

Is there someone waiting
for you?

Should we

Let them know?

There's no one.

Well, why don't you

Just rest here?

When my husband
comes back...

Jacob?

Oh, you know him.

Did you come to see him?

I did.

Sarah:
well, that's odd.

I don't remember him
mentioning he was
expecting someone.

He wasn't expecting me.

[Shutters rattling]

Well...

He's taken our daughter
into town.

So, there's
an empty bed upstairs

That you're welcome to.

Thank you...

Mrs. Witting.

Oh, sarah is fine

But I don't know your name.

It's john.

My name is john.

My name is cassie.

The dog is named nickel.

He's the son of nick.

We had a cat, too,
but... She died.

She went out
one night...

Hush, now.

I think the man
needs his rest.

Caleb, would you
please see him up
to anna's room?

You can go up; lie down.

There we are.

Is he a robber?

Well, if he is,
he's not a very good one.

[Horse whinnying]

Whoa.

[Bell jingles]

Jacob.

[Door closes; bell jingles]

I knew you'd be in today

Bringing anna back
to dr. Sam's and all.

You knew that,
did you?

Well, you listen,
you hear things.

I hope sarah and the
children are well.

Fine, yeah.

She has a list.

Well, of course
she does...

And I'll take care of
this for you right away.

Oh, a letter came from justin.

Did sam tell you?

Jacob:
yes, he did.

Oh, this terrible w*r...
All those poor young men

But I guess we have our own
battle these days, don't we?

Mm-hmm.

So much sickness--
nearly every home.

Never seen it this cold so long.

I don't think
we'll have any more snow

But you never know.

Uh, the wool... Is there
a color she's partial to?

Gray... Green, blue...

Colors of the sea.

A blank page
is so hard to fill up.

No words seem right.

Words will come.

From where?

Well, from what you see

What you feel

What you think...

What you wish for.

[Ringing]

Hello?

Oh, jacob.

Yes, yes, I can hear you.

Well, we just finished supper.

All right.

All right.

No, we'll be fine.

Good-bye.

[Sighs]

Well, the tractor part
won't be ready till the morning

So your papa is staying
with jess tonight.

You didn't mention john.

I completely forgot.

Huh.

Maybe I should write a story
on how we found him

And papa
can read it later.

Maybe so.

He's asleep
in anna's bed.

I was looking at him.

His eyes blink.

You leave him be.

He needs his rest.

If anna were here,
she'd write a story on him.

"One winter's day

"When the family
was alone

A stranger came
to the witting farm."

A robber.

He is not a robber.

Don't pretend.

What do you think he wants
with papa?

Well, I don't know.

We'll find out in the morning.

Right now, he needs sleep

Not questions.

[Wind blowing]

[Humming "billy boy"]

? Where have you been,
charming billy? ?

[Cassie joining]:
? I have been to seek a wife ?

? She's the joy of my life ?

? She's a young thing
and cannot leave her mother... ?

? Did she bid you to come in,
billy boy, billy boy? ?

? Did she bid you to come in,
charming billy? ?

All:
? Yes, she bade me to come in ?

? There's a dimple in her chin ?

? She's a young thing
and cannot leave her mother ?

? Did she set for you a chair,
billy boy, billy boy? ?

? Did she set for you a chair,
charming billy? ?

? Yes, she set for me a chair ?

? She has ringlets in her hair ?

? She's a young thing
and cannot leave her mother ?

? Did she bake for you a pie,
billy boy, billy boy? ?

? Did she bake for you a pie,
charming billy? ?

? Yes, she baked for me a pie ?

? She's the apple of my eye ?

? She's a young thing
who cannot leave her mother. ?

Shh.

[Door opening]

Oh...

Good morning.

Morning.

This is very good coffee.

I'm glad you like it.

That's caleb's job.

Well, he's taking
care of the stock.

I... I want to
do my share.

So you're feeling better
this morning?

Yeah.

Good night's sleep.

Works wonders.

That it does.

Morning, honey.

Morning.

What?

Are you a robber?

Cassie...

No, I'm not a robber.

How far did you travel
yesterday?

Um...

[Door opening]

Caleb:
the animals are all fed.

Took care of your horse, too.

Thank you.

Are you going to get ready
for school

Or are you just
going to stand there

Staring at john?

I want to stare at john.

She's nothing if not honest.

I can see that.

Papa's home.

I'll go see if he needs help.

John, it's jacob.

Cassie:
papa's home.

Caleb:
hello, papa.

Jacob:
caleb. Take that.

Cassie:
papa.

Jacob:
there's my girl.

Up.

We missed you.

Jess sends his regards.

Ah.

There's company
here to see you.

Did you miss me, too?

Yes, papa.

What can I do for you?

You don't...

Recognize me?

Have we met?

A long time ago.

I don't remember.

Was it in town?

No, there's no
reason why you
should remember.

As I said,
it was a long time ago.

He's not a robber, papa.

[Laughing]

[Laughing]

My name is...

John witting.

"Witting."

Are you related?

John witting is dead.

Is that what you thought?

Caleb, could you
take cassie upstairs

And help her
to get dressed, please?

Now?

Now...

Please.

I know...

This must be
a shock.

Jacob, who is this?

This is my father.

Your father?

But you always said...

I said what I thought was true.

Has sarah made you comfortable?

Is there anything you need?

Your family has been very kind.

Good.

I have to feed belle.

She's hungry.

Well, caleb can do that.

He's busy.

You'll excuse me.

[Door closes]

Who is he?

He's papa's father.

Why didn't you tell me
who you were last night?

I wasn't sure
I'd be welcome here.

Why wouldn't my husband's father
be welcome?

That's a question
you should ask jacob.

I thought he was dead.

Well...

Clearly you were mistaken.

He-he went away
from here...

From... Me and mama

When I was a boy,
younger than caleb.

Went away? To what?

To work? To w*r?

I never knew.

One day he was here.

He was papa.

The next...

Gone.

There must have been
a reason.

A man just doesn't
up and leave his family

With no cause.

This one did.

So...

You made him dead.

Mama did that.

It was easier, I guess,
to think that than to...

Believe that he'd...

It was just easier.

What does he want
after all this time?

Why is he here?

I can't answer that

But he certainly can.

What's happening?

I want to see.

There's nothingtosee.

They're still in
the barn talking.

Hello, grandfather.

Oh, you heard.

It'll be good
to have a grandfather.

I'm not good,
caleb.

Don't go
thinking that.

You're not
a good man?

[Door opens]

Oh...

Are you going somewhere?

For a walk.

Would you like caleb
to show you around?

I'd be glad to do it.

No, uh, there's no need.

I... I know the farm.

It used to belong to me.

I'm sure you know.

Have you come back

For long?

We'll see.

[Door closes]

Where's grandpapa going?

Well, he says
he's taking a walk.

I want to go, too!

No, cassie.

I think he'd like
to be alone.

Is papa happy
grandfather's come home?

Well, it's
complicated.

John, your grandfather

Left when your papa
was only a little boy.

It hurt him very badly.

You can imagine how you'd feel
if papa left you.

But papa wouldn't leave.

No, he wouldn't,
but his papadidleave.

Why?

[Sighs]

I don't know.

Now, hurry up.

Get your books; get going.

You're already
late for school.

Mmm...

In maine, a good
fish chowder

Could always cut through
the cold of a winter night

But truth be told

I've grown partial
to a good kansas stew.

If it's ready,
we should eat.

We can't eat until
grandfather gets back.

The food is hot

And we've eaten without him
all these years

And years before you, caleb.

He's company, jacob.

I think we should wait.

[Door closing]

Cassie:
grandpa,
supper's ready!

[Breathing hard]:
oh...

Ooh.

We were starting to worry.

Did you have a good walk?

Well, i...
I got turned around.

I used to know
every inch of this farm.

Caleb:
when?

Oh...

I bought this land
longbefore I married.

I broke it, planted it...

And worked hard to make it mine.

Was it yours?

It's the witting farm, cassie.

Grace, cassie?

God is great, god is good

And we thank him for our fuud.

Food.

Food.

I see you cleared
the walnut trees to the west.

I don't think
I would've done that.

The stew looks
fine, sarah.

Do you like children?

I don't know many.

Do you like the ones you know?

Cassie... That's enough.

Do you like papa?

Sarah:
whatiwould like

Is for you to eat your supper.

So, where have you come from?

Excuse me?

Where do you make your home now?

Oh, nowhere.

I move around.

This is the only place
I ever called home--

This...

This house...

This land.

[Phone ringing]

Oh, that must be anna.

May I answer it?

Please?

All right, quick.

[Ringing continues]

Hello?

Anna, guess what?

Grandfather was lost,
but now he's back home

And he isnota good man.

[Owl hooting]

Do you remember
when I first came here

All those years ago?

Not so many years.

We walked along this fence,
you and i.

You showed me
this land...

Your land.

And there was
such a feeling of... Pride

When you spoke
about it.

I remember that.

No one's ever going

To take this away
from you, jacob, no one.

It's yours till the end

And then you and I
will give it to the children.

Except, maybe, for cassie.

Does she have to
always speak her mind?

She hasn't been quiet
five minutes

Since she was born.

Yeah.

That was winter, too,
remember?

She was so tiny.

And so loud.

Maybe.

But I do so love

That little opinionated
girl of ours.

Although, where she gets
her stubbornness...

I have no idea.

I love you, jacob...

So much.

You're a good husband

A good father.

Don't you think
you should...

Hear his side of it?

What explanation
could there be

For abandoning
your wife and child?

I don't know

But I think
we should try to find out.

I'm not interested.

You don't mean that.

I know what I mean.

I don't want him here.

That's not fair
to the children.

They have so little family
as it is.

This chance to get to know
their grandfather...

Grandfather,
by blood only.

I can't forgive
him, sarah.

I could forgive
him dying

But I can't forgive
him walking away.

I want him to go.

Thisis not fun.

Your mama probably
doesn't like it, either.

[Gasping in pain]

I'm writing
about you

In my journal,
grandfather.

I can't see as you got
much to write about.

Itwouldbe easier
if I knew more.

There's nothing
you need to know, caleb.

That'smybusiness.

I don't mean to pry.

Then don't.

Is there something else
you can do?

No.

Can't she do

Something?

She's little.

She doesn't do much.

She plays with marbles
and draws pictures.

I drew one of you.

And she plays hide-and-seek.

That's a good idea.

Go hide.

[Sighs]

Caleb:
you have to
count first.

One, two

Three...

Slower.

Four... Five...

Six... Seven...

Eight!

Oh...

That's much better.

Cassie:
I'm ready!

Now you have to go find her.

Youfind her.

I'm coming.

Cassie:
no, I want
grandpa to!

[Door opening]

Who cleaned up?

Cassie did.

Oh.

I imagine she liked that.

She loved it.

Maybe i...

Maybe I shouldn't have come.

Why did you?

Is it for the farm?

After all these years,
do you want it back?

No, I don't want the farm.

I only wanted to see it

To see it was
in good hands, but...

That's not the main reason.

Then what?

There comes
a time

When you want to know
what happened...

To see how the story comes out.

Well, that's the same for jacob.

Only he needs to know
the beginning of the story.

He needs to know
why you went away.

The answer wouldn't help him.

Well, maybe that's
not for you to say.

You've stirred things up
coming back.

When you toss a stone in a pond,
you get ripples.

Cassie:
grandpa,
come find me!

That belongs to me.

What are these for?

There's only a few left.

My health is none
of your concern.

It is if it affects my family.

It doesn't.

If you are ill

Jacob should be told.

A son needs to know
about his father.

It's too late for that.

Then why have you come back
if it's too late?

You came back for a reason.

If you lose your strength now,
what a waste it will be...

For all of us.

Sarah:
keep a good eye
on your sister

While we're gone.

You know I will.

But why can't we go
with you?

Because there are a
lot of sick people
in town, that's why.

Why do you have to go?

I explained that
at breakfast, remember?

Uh-uh.

Your grandfather
has to go to town

And so we're taking him.

Why can't papa
take him?

It's just better
that I go, too.

Jacob:
that's enough
questions

For one morning.

Be good. Listen
to your brother.

Thank you.

We'll be back...

Before dark.

I might bring
you some licorice
from mrs. Parkley's.

h*! Hup!

Do you think they'll meet
any robbers on the way?

Is thatall
you think about?

No.

Come on. I'll make
you some cocoa.

May I help you?

I need to see the doctor.

Well, why don't
you come in?

Thank you.

He's with a patient
right now.

If I could
give him your name?

It's witting.

I'm john witting.

Oh...

You're not as old
as I thought you'd be.

[Sighs]

You're anna.

I should have known.

You resemble
your father.

I hope you're more talkative.

Papa's always been fine
with people he knows.

Why don't you have a seat?

Oh...

Sarah... Asked me
to tell you

That she was going
to mrs. Parkley's
store and that...

You should join her there
if you can.

All right.

I'll tell the doctor
you're here.

Sarah:
he's a hard man to understand.

Just like your papa
when I first met him.

A witting family trait,
I suppose.

Oh, papa's not
that way now...

Not since you came.

'Cause we trust
each other.

John's secrets
are bottled up all tight.

Caleb will find
them out, I bet.

He's been fascinated

From the moment
he found him in the barn.

Oh, it's inspired him to write
in that journal you gave him.

Caleb's a good judge
of character.

He liked you
the first time
he saw you

Riding up in
your yellow bonnet.

He did, didn't he?

Um... And I didn't.

Well, you like me
now, so...

I love you now.

I think I understand
how papa feels.

When mama died

I was angry that she
went away and left me

Even though
she didn't mean to.

What do you hear
from justin?

Only one letter
this month.

He sounds lost and
a little frightened.

A friend was k*lled...

The morning
he wrote, and...

Sarah, I'm so
scared for him.

Oh, of course you are.

When the one you love is
in trouble, you worry, you know

Wishing you could
make everything better

Knowing you'd do anything
to help.

Anything.

How long
since you saw someone?

A year...

Maybe a little more.

Uh... He gave me...

This.

What'd he tell you
these were for?

For pain... Here.

I didn't pay
much attention.

It didn't concern you?

There are things
that concern me more.

Such as?

Such as...

Things left
too long undone.

Well, from what
these pills tell me

And what I can see for myself

You need to take
better care of yourself.

No strenuous labor.

Your heart

Can't take that.

A man has to do his share...

Pay his way.

Now, I want you to take these
same as you did those others

And I want to see you again
in two weeks.

If I'm still here.

Two weeks.

Now, you come into my office,
or I'll come and find you.

I'll talk to jacob and sarah
about your diet.

No...

I won't have you say anything
to them about this.

They're your family,
mr. Witting.

I said no!

You're too stubborn to die,
I can tell.

No question
you'll be around in two weeks.

You two were having
a serious talk.

We were talking
about when mama died

About how
angry I was

Because she wasn't
there anymore.

After sarah came,
I could forgive mama.

Some things...
Can be forgiven.

Some can't.

What did sam say?

Well, he said there was
no reason for making

This trip into town.

There's...

Nothing wrong with me

That these pills
can't cure.

And what exactly
are they supposed to cure?

Nothing serious.

Can't we be going back?

Huh?

Thank you.

Telephone if there's
any word from justin

All right, darling?

Bye-bye.

Bye, anna.

Hup!

[Windows banging]

This wind goes on and on.

It's likely to be
a cold easter this year.

We have a big
ham for easter.

Yeah, well, I don't
know I'll be here
that long.

You can't go.
You just got here.

Well, uh...

I can leave
when I want, caleb.

Caleb, john has
his own life.

But he's part of our life, too.

Your life is
your own, caleb.

I don't belong here.

I do.

I was born here

And mama and papa
named me cassie

'Cause that was
my grandmother's name.

Your grandfather knows that,
cassie.

John:
your grandmother

Would have
liked that you
had her name.

You sure you're in a position

To talk about what mama
would have liked?

She was my wife.

Till you left her.

Jacob.

Stay out of this, sarah

Please.

This is between us.

Better it
stays that way.

No.

The children
have a right to know

What kind of man
you are.

Don't do this, not now.

Then when?
I've opened my home to him.

I been polite and respectful.

Whenis the right time
to tell this man

What I think
of what he did?

Stop it. I will
not allow you

To air this in front
of the children.

You're frightening them.

Sarah is right.

I'm going for a walk.

That's right, leave.

That's what
you're good at.

Let him go, jacob.

Don't go after him in anger.

He's not walking away this time

And I will not have you
taking his side.

I'm not taking his side.
I'm taking our family's side.

I'm going, too.

No, no, no, no.

This is between
the two of them.

Caleb is a fine boy.

He's...

He's taking good care
of my friend here.

You raised him well.

Fathers do that...

For their children.

I don't want
to fight with you.

I only wanted
to see you to...

To see what
happened to you.

I'll tell you
what happened.

You went away...

And mama
was never the same.

She came to hate
this place.

That began long before I left.

I didn't leave.

Your mother drove me away.

That's a lie.

She always blamed me
for this life.

It was more
than she'd bargained for--

The cold, the wind, the poverty.

They wore her down
and she blamed me for it all.

She hated the farm

And she hated me
for tying her to it.

I think you were the only person
she loved.

She told me you'd both
be better off without me.

I don't believe she said that.

That's not true.

You're just
like her.

Your mother had no forgiveness
in her, either.

Yeah.

You're a liar.

No one calls me that...

Not even you!

Jacob?

Get away from me.

But you need help.

My... My leg's broken.

[Grunting in pain]

Caleb!

[Jacob gasps]

Set him down
on the bed.

Easy.

Easy, easy.

Let me get the pillow.

Wait. Easy. Easy.

Oh, yeah,
it's all right.

How did this happen?

I fell.

Telephone to sam, caleb.

Tell him we need him
at once.

We need to stop
that bleeding.

[Groans softly]

How did he
cut himself?

Jacob:
it was an accident.

Papa?

Cassie, I'll be all right.

The telephone's
not working.

[Sighs]

I can do it.

You've already done enough.

If you want to help,
go for the doctor.

That would
take too long.

I've done this before.

That leg's...

Got to be set.

Now, we can stand here
and discuss it

Or I can give your husband
the help he needs.

Yeah.

All right.

What should I do?

I'll need strips of cloth

Long enough to tie

And, caleb, two
sticks or poles

The length of his legs.

In the shed.

Will this hurt him?

John:
yes, but it
can't be helped.

We have some whiskey.

Oh, get it.

[Groans]

Cassie, please...

Cassie. Cassie.

You know that
game that you

Like to play--
hide and seek?

I think now would
be a good time.

I want to stay with papa.

Yeah, but

By the time we find you,
he'll be all better.

I'm going to
start counting.

Will you find me?

Yes.

One, two, three...

Slower.

Four... Five...

Six...

Will these do?

Yes, thank you.

Oh, and, caleb, one more thing.

I want you to find
where cassie is hiding

And stay with her.

Can't I stay here?

No. Now, go.

[Jacob coughs]

Sarah, I want you
to do what I say

No matter.

I want you to
hold him steady

While I straighten
his leg.

Can you do that?

Yes.

I'm sorry, jacob.

I'm truly sorry.

I see you.

Shh. I'm waiting
for grandpa.

[Wind whistles outside]

[Jacob screams]

It'll be all right.

Sarah:
where did you learn
to set a leg like that?

Oh, in cuba,
the spanish w*r.

They needed medics.

I didn't know a
thing about it, but...

I learned fast.

I've brought a lot of pain
to this house

And all I wanted was
to know my family.

But you haven't tried
to know us.

And we know nothing about you.

I met jacob...

Just over nine years ago.

His first wife, catherine

Died giving birth
to caleb.

Oh, I thought you were...

No. Anna and caleb were hers.

Jacob loved her dearly.

She painted

That picture.

He loved his children, too

And he did what he thought
was best for them.

Your son put this ad
in the paper

And it found its way to maine.

"Needed: a kind woman
to share a life

"With a widower
and his two children

To make a difference."

And you came
all the way from maine?

Yeah.

All the way from maine.

And you?

Well, my wife...

Was the only child
of a wichita merchant.

The most...

Beautiful woman
I ever laid eyes on.

So I've heard
from those who knew her.

Cassie said she loved me, but...

She had no love for this land.

That tore us apart.

They say love's enough, but...

I'm not so sure.

When the hard times come...

When the money runs out...

And the droughts
seem never-ending...

And the bitter cold is

More than you ever thought
you could bear

Seems to me...

You need
something more--

Resilience...

And trust...

That those you care about
will be strong enough to stay...

To be there
when you need them.

And once a trust is broken...

You can't set it as easily
as you can a man's leg.

[Cassie coughs]

[Chuckles softly]

I found you.

Is he better today?

The fever's
lasting too long.

He's warmer today
than he was yesterday.

Oh.

Did you change
the dressing?

Yes, and I don't like
the looks of it.

The telephone line
is still down.

We need sam.

Tell me the truth.

Are you well enough
to do this?

I can do what needs doing.

I'll pack you something to eat.

Where you going?

Your father
needs a doctor.

I can go, too.

I know the way
if it gets dark.

All right. Take the wagon.

John:
now, in this weather

I may not be back until
tonight, maybe tomorrow.

It's better that
caleb stays here
in case you need him.

But I want to go.

No, john is right.

If I need help with your papa,
you'll do me no good in town.

Now you take care
of your family

No matter what.

I should've gone.

Why do you think so?

Because he may not be back.

He leaves, papa says.

That was a
long time ago.

He'll be back.

[Knock at door]

John.

It's jacob.

What?

Uh...

Jacob's leg is broken...

And he cut himself
when he fell.

Sarah dressed it, but...

His fever's still climbing.

Infection?

The telephone is out.

Anna, you want
to go along?

Yes, but someone
has to stay

And he needs you.

I'd be more
useful here.

If you need any help,
mrs. Simmons is always willing.

Tell papa I love him.

Oh, he knows.

But I'll tell him.

We'll put your horse
in the barn

And take my automobile.

It's perfectly safe.

Mr. Ford knew
what he was doing.

I only hope you do.

There's no place this
piece of machinery
can't take us.

It's built to last.

Yeah, maybe.

But it's not built
for comfort-- it's cold.

A live horse is warmer.

Next time we'll put the
horseinthe automobile.

Yeah.

[Laughing]

[Sarah sighs]

Coffee?

Please.

He'll be fine.

You did a good
job on that leg.

Sarah tells me you
learned in the army.

Maybe the single good thing
to come out of that experience.

I know what your son
must be going through, sam.

Is there any news?

[Yawns]

But I have to have faith
that he's safe and well.

I tell myself
no news is a good thing

But that's small comfort.

Now, I want jacob
to stay off that leg.

No work for at least a month.

You might have
to tie him down

But it has to heal.

Well...

We'll just have to hire
someone to help.

There's stock

To tend and...

Getting ready
for spring planting...

And damage from the storms...

Caleb can't do that
and keep up with his schooling.

I can work.

Jacob:
sarah!

Excuse me.

You can't do
the kind of work

A place like
this requires.

It'll k*ll you.

I owe it to them to help.

Oh, is that what this is about?

You work the farm;
you die because of it;

And it makes up for the past.

Eh...

Nonsense.

Of course.

Are you hurting still?

Well...

Sam gave me some pills.

Do they help?

He says they do.

I could argue the point.

Thank you.

What for?

Setting your leg
or helping you to break it

In the first place?

You're welcome.

Oh...

I'm going to...

Have a look at the west fence.

Here...

Thanks.

Fever's gone.

I'll be up
before you know it.

Well, I think
sam will have

A thing or two
to say about that.

Well, there's work...

And it's being done.

Caleb is doing
more than his share.

John is feeding cattle,
fixing fence.

He's doing
the best he can to help.

I appreciate that.

We've had a chance to talk some
these past days.

He worked cattle on a ranch
in wyoming for a time...

Followed the harvest north
for a number of seasons.

Farming is all he knows...

Just like you.

He's the only father
you'll ever have.

That's a fact.

The question is...

What to do with it.

What are you looking at?

Oh... Everything.

The farm.

You know, there was a time
I thought i... I'd...

I'd never see
this place again.

Was it like this
when you lived here?

Oh, part of it.

I planted a stand
of walnut trees out there.

We had a drought, and
the barn burned down--

Took the trees with it.

That's the summer
we went to maine...

To sarah's house--

Except for papa.

He stayed here with the land.

He... He never gave up on it.

It's hard...

Farming.

Is that why you went away?

Part of it, maybe.

And then you got lost.

I know
that's the way you want it

But that's not the way it was.

I wasn't... Lost.

Maybe you didn't know
you were lost.

I know it isn't easy
for you, caleb.

You want to like me.

I'm your grandfather...

But there's... No way

That you can possibly
like what I did.

People can change.

Yes, but sometimes
not before they hurt the people

That they care most about.

You mean papa.

Yeah.

Papa can
change, too.

I like you, caleb.

I love you, grandfather.

[Coughing]

I'm going out to
see jacob today.

Time he was
on crutches

And I've got
a pair for him.

He's bound to cause
sarah more trouble

Being up and around.

[Chuckles]

You're tired.

I'm not complaining.

You never complain.

Maybe you should
from time to time.

[Coughing continues]

Get some rest.

Doctor's orders.

Woman:
anna...

Are you cold,
mrs. Hankins?

Mm-hmm.

It's a telegram...

From the w*r department.

Oh, no.

Oh, no.

He's alive...

But he's been injured.

What does that mean?

How bad is it?

Dr. Sam, what does it say?

Only that he's
been wounded

And they're
bringing him home.

Here?

To the states,
to a hospital.

Where?

Can we go to him?
Can we see him?

They say "details
to follow."

Anna, I think you'd better
come with me today.

Let me take you home
to your parents.

I want to stay here.

I want to be here
when the details follow.

Are you all right?

Well, this telegram

Tells me he's safe now...

Away from the fighting.

It's good news, really.

[Car approaching]

[Barking]

Don't overdo it.

You might set
yourself back.

Yeah.

These are only for
when you need them.

Well, here you are--

Little worse for wear
but handsome as ever.

Show me
how to sit

With these things, sam.

Back up to the chair.

Let yourself down
with the good leg.

Will you stay
for supper, sam?

I've just made some
of your favorite bread

And there's a
chicken in the oven.

Sorry, sarah.

May parkley says
there's a big storm on the way.

She's never wrong.

Yeah... Just ask her.

I'll give your love to anna.

Thank you.

You telephone
if you need me now.

We will.

You're in our prayers.

[Horse whinnying]

Come on.

Come on.

[Door closing]

We'll need more wood
before the storm hits...

And matilda's about to foal.

I should be out there.

Everything's
being taken care of--

The wood, the mare.

Anna said you'd be like a caged
animal on those crutches.

Better than bed...

Staring at the ceiling...

Thinking.

Thinking?

About what?

The children.

About...

When I was their age.

Everything seemed easy.

I went to school.

I came back.

I worked.

Then he left,
and all that changed.

Things weren't like that
ever again.

Some things must have stayed
the same.

You still went to school?

No.

I stayed home after.

You mother kept you home?

There was a farm

To run, and...

She needed me.

And you were there.

I'm tired of school.

Maybe I should quit

And work the farm
like papa did.

Do you think
that's wise?

I have friends

That have left
school already.

Did you go to school, grandpa?

I wanted to,
but i... I couldn't.

Well, I bet that was fun.

No. It wasn't

Because I never learned
to read or write.

Ever?

Oh... I learned
a little bit in the army

Enough to get by,
but school...

Would have made
my life much easier.

Caleb:
can you write enough

To write letters?

John:
i... Only wrote three

In my whole life

And I needed help
with those.

Did the people ever
write back to you?

No, caleb.

The people
never wrote back

And I guess
I can't blame them.

[Thunder rumbling]

[Dog barking]

I'm scared.

Oh, now...

Now, it's just old man winter
huffing and puffing.

That's all.

And there's nothing
that he can do to us in here.

Do you know
any songs?

Songs?

No... No songs.

Everybody
knows a song.

Well, everybody else, maybe.

Please?

Oh...

Well...

There was a song...

I used to sing
alongtime ago.

Don't you laugh.

I promise.

? Sleep my child
and peace attend thee ?

? All through the night ?

? Guardian angels,
god will send thee ?

? All through the night ?

? Soft the drowsy hours
are creeping ?

? Hill and vale
in slumber sleeping ?

? I, my loving vigil keeping ?

? All through the night ?

? Angels watching
ever 'round thee ?

? All through the night ?

? In thy slumbers
close surround thee ?

? All through the night ?

? They should of all fears
disarm thee ?

? No forebodings
should alarm thee ?

? They will let
no peril harm thee ?

? All through...

? The night. ?

[Wind howling]

[Footsteps]

[Whispering]:
what in the world?

I'm worried about matilda
in the barn.

Mattie is fine;
go to bed.

The idea of going
out in this storm...

She's going to foal
anytime now

And, if there's complications,
she'll need me.

I'll be careful, sarah.

Caleb...

Ihaveto go.

You'll use the rope.

You'll check on her

And come right back
to the house.

All right. I promise.
And put your hat on.

[Clock ticking]

[Grunting]

[Clock ticking]

[Wind rattling door]

[Wind howling]

Caleb!

Caleb, can you hear me?

Caleb!

[Glass shatters]

Where is it?

Where...

Where's the... The rope?

Where... Where is it?

[Door closes]

What were you doing
out so early?

I went to check on matilda
last night

And the rope broke

So I spent the night
in the barn.

In that blizzard?

The animals kept me warm.

Why are you
making the coffee?

Isn't sarah up yet?

No, not yet.

Jacob:
sarah?

Sarah?

Ask sarah to bring me
some of that coffee

Would you, son?

We thought she was
here with you.

She's not
in the kitchen?

Sarah?

Sarah?

She's not in the house.

Well, what would
she go out for?

No.

You're cold
enough already.

I'll go.

Sarah!

Caleb, stay inside.

He can't do this.

Grandfather
can't do this.

Why not?

He'll die, papa.

I heard sam tell
him he'd die.

Sam said he was fine.

No. He said if
he did too much

It would k*ll him.

I have to go help, papa.

Caleb:
sarah?

Sarah?

Sarah?

Sarah?

Come over here.

Sarah, can you hear me?

Lift her up.

Come on.

[Barking]

She's alive...

But barely.

What was
she doing outside?

Looking for
me, I think.

We got to get these
wet clothes off her.

Caleb...

We need some blankets.

Round up
as many as you can

And put some in the oven,
so they can get warm.

Hurry.

Talk to her.

Don't let her sleep.

Sarah, can you hear me?

[Moans]

It's jacob, sarah.

I'm here with you.

You can't sleep now.

Sleep later, not now.

Caleb, get me some coffee.

Jacob:
can you hear me?

I'm so tired.

I know, you're tired, but...
There's things to do.

Cassie needs you and caleb...

We all need you, sarah,
so you can't sleep now.

You understand?

Stay awake!

Stay awake!

Oh... Have a sip of this.

[Coughing]

Caleb was... And then I went...

And then the-the rope...

And i... I... [Mumbling]

So cold...

So cold...

[Voice cracking]:
you can't sleep.

You got to stay awake.

[Sarah mumbling]:
I need the rope...

That's it.
Tell me, tell me, sarah.

Talk to me.

[Sarah mumbling]

Jacob:
talk to me, sarah.

Talk to me.

[Mumbling]

[Dog barking]

Mmm...

Something smells good.

The smell

Isn't taste.

I learned that
a long time ago.

I was a cook for a while
on a ranch in oregon--

Not the best cook
in the world

But nobody ever died
on my watch.

[Both chuckle]

Least, nobody I ever heard of.

You look better.

Mmm... Warmer, too.

[Sighs]

You were close
to dying out there.

Mm.

You know, my father used to say
that, when you die

You go to a place
that feels like home.

So...

I always imagined that,
when that happened

I would see the rugged coast
of maine...

Smell the salty sea air...

Hear my three aunts--
the unclaimed treasures--

Calling me in to supper.

But the remarkable thing
is that...

Last night,
it wasn't the sea I went to...

But this land...

This kansas.

I saw the blue sky...

The wind sweeping
across the summer grasses...

The cattle grazing on the hill.

And jacob.

And I knew this was my home...

This was my heart.

Jacob's a lucky man.

Where is he?

He's resting.

He was by your side for hours,
and he had to get off that leg.

[Door opens and closes]

I put the rope up again.

This time it will hold.

Let's hope that
we won't need it
again this year.

Now, if we could
just get jacob

On his feet.

Then my work is done

And I can get back
about my life.

My leg's
coming around.

It shouldn't
be long now.

Do you want to know
what I want for my birthday?

That's weeks away.

What brought this on?

Do you want to know?

Yes, caleb.

What do you want?

Don't want tools

Books or even a horse of my own.

You've always wanted
your own horse.

All I want is for you
to forgive grandfather...

So I can grow up to be like you.

[Coughing]

Justin:
"and when I return

"We'll spend all our days
in the place we love the most.

"I think of you there
every day

"Through summer, fall
and winter and spring

"When the paintbrush bloom
and cover the prairie.

"I see us there together

Walking
through those green meadows."

Well, where are you off to?

Everyone's sleeping.

I just needed...

I don't know.

I was reading
justin's letters

And I just couldn't
bear it any longer.

Why haven't we heard
anything more?

If we just knew
where he was...

I know. I know.

Why don't you take a walk,
get some air?

You've been pushing
yourself too much.

All right.

Children [chanting]:
I had a little birdie

Whose name was inga.

I opened up the window
and in flew inga.

I had a little bird
whose name was inga.

I opened up the window
and in flew inga.

I had a little birdie
whose name was inga.

I opened up the window
and in flew inga...

Yes.

Yes, yes.

Oh, well, thank you
for letting us know, sam.

You'll hear something more soon,
I'm sure.

Telephone us when you do.

And give anna our love.

All right.

Good-bye.

[Sighs]

Justin's in a
hospital in new york.

They just heard
this afternoon.

How is he?

Well, there's no word
on his condition.

But I would think,
if the news were bad

They would have said something
in the telegram.

I guess.

[Sighs]

It's all so fragile...

This life.

Anything can happen
in the blink of an eye.

I could have died
in that blizzard.

Don't even think that way.

But it's true.

Think of justin.

And john.

Probably more ill than we know.

Time moves on.

The moment passes...

Then it's too late.

That's a shame.

Don't you think?

Going?

Soon.

[Laughs]

You're getting along
in this contraption

And pretty soon there
won't be much you need me for.

I want to know...

I want you to tell me...

Everything...

Please.

I explained it all once,
a long time ago.

I wrote you a letter

And, when there was no answer,
I wrote another

And then a third,
and that one came back

With a note in your mother's
hand that said...

"Return to sender."

I never knew.

Well...

I don't blame her for that.

She was... Unhappy.

And I did leave.

There's no way

To explain that away.

Try.

This was not her life,
this farm.

She resented me for bringing
her here and made it plain...

That I had ruined her chances
for something better.

Another man might have borne it,
but I was young...

Selfish...

And the life I saw ahead
was nothing...

But unhappiness.

I couldn't face it.

So you left.

I talked to her...

Tried to reason.

But she'd have none of it.

I told myself
that we'd be better off...

Apart.

But her parents were dead.

She had no place to go, so...

So I went.

It was that easy?

It was the hardest thing
I've ever done in my life

Leaving her...

Leaving you...

Leaving the land.

I hoped...

It would make things easier
for everybody.

But in all these years...

I never found another place...

In this world to call home.

I never found
another person anywhere...

To love.

I left all that here...

And it was my loss.

And that's that.

After you left...

I begged to know...

What had happened, but...

Mama didn't want
to talk about it.

In time, she didn't
want to talk

About much of anything--
just sat there

Day after day,
looking down the road.

That's why we stayed here,
I guess.

In case you found your way
back to us.

After a while

I began to think...

I was so little...

I began to think that somehow

Something I had done
had made this happen.

You can't still think that.

No.

You've grown up fine.

Any man...

Would be proud
to call you his son.

And that's your mother's doing.

'Cause you had no father.

You came home to die,
didn't you?

Just didn't figure
it'd be so hard.

Well...

We can't let
that happen...

Dad.

My son.

My son.

Well, our ham is about as ready
as an easter ham can be.

On the left, cassie.

Napkins on the left.

I told her.

She thought the right
was more original.

[Laughs]

Where are jacob and john?

Walking the
farm again.

Talking again.

How long
can they talk?

A long time.

They have a lot
to say to each other.

What's wrong?

What if justin's
not all right, sarah?

What if he's been
hurt badly?

I'm afraid how
I might feel.

Well...

You won't know until you
see him, will you?

But...

It seems to me...

That love...

Looks through the heart...

Not the eyes.

Look who surprised me
this morning.

Anna!

Justin.

Welcome home, justin.

Glad you're back.

[Bird chirping]

You hear that?

Uh-uh.

That's the meadowlark.

Oh, spring.

At last.

Come.

Come meet justin.

Justin, this is john,
jacob's father.

[Dog barking]